House to vote on anti-abortion bill H.R.3 next week

WASHINGTON – House Republicans intend to hold a floor vote on their sweeping anti-abortion bill next week, Raw Story has learned. The date and time have yet to be finalized.

H.R.3, “The No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act,” last month secured enough co-sponsors to pass the House. Initially a top GOP priority, it was sidelined in part due to protracted debates over the fiscal 2011 funding resolution and long-term budget. It currently boasts 227 signatories.

The initial version faced explosive blowback for provisions that would have restricted government-subsidized abortion coverage even in cases of rape, incest and when the mother’s life is in danger.

Those provisions were stripped out during the Judiciary Committee markup, but the legislation could yet deny Medicaid-based abortion coverage to women even if their health may be adversely affected by carrying the pregnancy to term.